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Patrick's acara (Aequidens patricki) — Cichlidae

Patrick's acara

Aequidens patricki
Family: Cichlidae

The Patrick's acara (Aequidens patricki) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
11.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Peru
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Patrick's acara is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from slow-flowing rivers, pools and flooded forest of the Amazon basin in Peru. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with a large mouth; dominant individuals colour up more brightly in the breeding season. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches for small invertebrates, small fish, worms and plant matter. It is a caring parental brooder that fiercely defends the eggs and young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Patrick's acara?

The Patrick's acara has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Patrick's acara live?

The Patrick's acara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Peru

How big does the Patrick's acara get?

The Patrick's acara grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Patrick's acara dangerous to humans?

No, the Patrick's acara is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Patrick's acara edible?

Yes, the Patrick's acara is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Patrick's acara sourced
Scientific name
Aequidens patricki
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Peru sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aequidens

More from the family Cichlidae

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